Website Statement
If you've seen or heard discussions about our plans for the playing fields, we'd like to tell you what this project is really about.
A little bit about us
We're a small charity run entirely by volunteers.
Nobody is doing this for personal gain.
We're doing it because we believe our community deserves the very best facilities we can create.
We want to keep working to improve these pitches so more people can enjoy them, more often. Because these playing fields aren't just where sport happens.
They're part of what makes Uddingston such a great place to live.
Many of our volunteers grew up playing here. Today our own children train and play on these same pitches. We want future generations to have that same opportunity.
That's why we're investing our time, energy and fundraising into improving the playing fields. Currently the condition of the space means that it cannot be used to its full potential – by the community or the school. We believe this situation will only get worse not better.
Our plans are not about taking away open space.
They're about making sure this valuable community space becomes the best it can be. Benefiting the community and Uddingston Grammar School.
Questions raised at our first community consultation
Will the playing fields still be open to everyone or are you fencing them off for yourself?
This is probably the question we've been asked most often, so let's answer it clearly.
The playing fields will continue to be a community space. From speaking to other community asset transfer we recognise that we may need a small fence to protect the space but not to prevent its use.
Our aim isn't to restrict access, it's to improve the quality of the pitches so they're available for more people, more often.
At the moment, poor drainage and deteriorating surfaces mean parts of the pitches can become unusable after wet weather. Everyone who uses the fields has experienced that.
By improving the drainage and the playing surfaces, we can help keep the pitches open for longer throughout the year.
That means more football.
More shinty.
More school activities.
More community events.
More opportunities for local people to enjoy this fantastic green space.
To us, that's what investing in our community looks like.
Isn't this just about the shinty club?
No. Of course, we're proud of our club and we're proud to be leading this project.
But this isn't simply about creating better facilities for shinty. It's about creating better playing fields for everyone who uses them.
Uddingston Grammar school.
Community groups.
Other sports clubs.
Families.
Children playing after school.
People enjoying a walk across the park.
We believe good community facilities should be shared and that's exactly what we're trying to achieve.
Why Are We Doing This?
Because we currently cannot use these playing fields because of the condition they are in. We have to travel to Glasgow to train and play.
Like every community space, they need investment if they're going to thrive.
Without ongoing improvements, the pitches become harder to maintain, less usable in bad weather and less enjoyable for everyone.
We don't think that's good enough.
We believe our community deserves playing fields that are safe, well looked after and available throughout as much of the year as possible.
If we can leave these pitches in better condition than we found them, we'll have done something worthwhile for the whole community.
What about wildlife and nature?
One of the questions we've been asked is about the impact our proposals could have on local wildlife, trees and the natural environment.
We understand those concerns because we care about this green space too.
Before any work takes place, we will commission an independent environmental impact assessment. This will help us understand the site in detail and identify any protected species, important habitats or environmental considerations that need to be taken into account.
The findings of that assessment will guide our plans and ensure that any work is carried out responsibly and with respect for the environment. We are committed to protecting wildlife and habitats wherever possible, subject to ecological advice and in line with all relevant environmental legislation and planning requirements.
Our aim is not simply to avoid harm. Wherever opportunities exist, we want to leave the site better than we found it. That could include protecting existing trees, creating new planting, enhancing biodiversity and improving habitats for local wildlife, always guided by the findings of the environmental impact assessment.
As our plans develop, we'll continue to share information openly and listen carefully to the views of local residents, environmental organisations and specialist advisers. If there are opportunities to improve our proposals or further protect the natural environment, we'll pursue them.
We will commission an independent environmental impact assessment before any work begins.
We will protect protected species, habitats and wildlife wherever possible and subject to ecological advice.
We will seek to retain mature trees wherever possible and, where change is necessary, explore opportunities for replacement planting and habitat enhancement.
We will look for opportunities to increase biodiversity through thoughtful landscaping, habitat creation and environmental improvements.
We are working with ecological experts, South Lanarkshire Council, local residents and community partners to ensure the project leaves the playing fields in a better condition for both people and nature.
What about the fires and antisocial behaviour in the playing fields?
Unfortunately, local residents know that parts of the site have experienced repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism, littering and deliberate fires.
We believe the best way to tackle these problems is not simply through enforcement, but by creating a space that people actively use, care for and take pride in.
By improving the playing fields, we can encourage more positive activity throughout the week and across the year.
What about people who don’t use social media?
Recognising that not everyone uses social media, Uddingston Shinty Club adopted a range of traditional communication methods to ensure the consultation was accessible to the wider community.
This included:
- A leaflet drop to local businesses, providing information about the proposed project and inviting residents to take part in the consultation.
- Posters displayed in prominent community locations, including local shops and community noticeboards, to raise awareness and encourage participation.
- A press release issued to the local media, helping to reach residents through local newspapers and news outlets.
- Information shared through club members, volunteers and local community networks to encourage conversations with people who may not engage online.
The questionnaire is also available in printed format, from Uddingston Library and Bothwell Community Futures to be completed at the venue or returned by stamped address envelopes provided.
Provision has also been made for hard copies to be sent out by post including a return stamped address envelope by contacting 07551439622.
As we’re particularly eager to hear from residents who live close to the site we’re organising a leaflet drop to all houses in the immediate vicinity to help raise awareness and encourage participation in our second drop in at Uddingston Grammar on 26/8/2026 at 6.30pm to 8.30pm